Growing on rhododendron sprouting seeds

[cocopops]

Our boundaries are very overgrown after years of neglect by the previous owners.  We are fencing off an access area, and were going to buy young rhododendrons to put behind it to give us some privacy. 

Whilst clearing we found lots of sprouting seedlings in the compost left behind from the leaves of the same plant.  I have picked out the seedlings (just sprouting) and using the same compost put them in a tray.

I have a plastic small greenhouse.  Should I leave them out in the conditions they are used to or put them under plastic?

Thanks for any advice.

[cocopops]

[valmarg]

Having disturbed them, I would give them a bit of protection while they recover.  Also as you said you had cleared some of the growth over them, that would have been protecting them, so they would probably appreciate a bit of tlc.

valmarg

[floraldi]

There is a rhododendron that is classed as a nuisance plant as it grows like mad and smothers things. Do you think the germinated seeds could be from that plant?  I am just a little surprised that these seeds have germinated so easily and, in fact, don't remember having seeds on my rhodos. I could be wrong.

[Baccy Man]

Rhododendron Ponticum is a major problem particularly in Wales. There are miles of countryside in the area I live which have been ruined by this plant. Every time a group of volunteers clears an area the following spring millions of dormant seeds germinate & the problem is back again. Japanese knotweed is the other invasive plant prolific in this area but as the cows eat that it is kept in check & is only a minor problem by comparison.
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2007/12/08/10m-to-wipe-out-snowdonia-rhododendrons-55578-20220884/
http://www.meirionnyddoakwoods.org.uk/english/speciesinvasive.asp

[Robert_Brenchley]

The big problem with R ponticum is that it's extremely difficult to kill, and as the branches root themselves, it makes massive spreading clumps which smother everything underneath them. I hate the stuff; it's the very common purple rhodo that the Victorians planted everywhere.

[sawfish]

I have one in my plot which I keep under control, the large purple flowers are undeniably superb but I wouldn't fancy them everywhere. Up near Plockton (north of Kyle of Lochalsh) they've smothered loads of the forest.

[floraldi]

Thats the one I was thinking about so now Cocopops needs to determine if this is what she has got.  Near to here,  on the roadside next to an open greenspace which was landscaped some years ago, the local authority have actually constructed a large notice board. It is a warning about the dreaded Japanese knotweed. Someone actually introduced this plant into this country as something attractive to have in the garden. Styles change I suppose.  ::)